[Intro, Soft piano with faint strings]
(Faint hums, like a flickering flame, growing stronger)
[Chara, softly]
It's only you,
Through the dark, I'll find your flame.
It's always you,
Through the ashes, I call your name.
[Verse 1, Melancholy tone, soft piano]
Endless flame, it burns inside,
Through every tear, through every lie.
Humans came, they used, betrayed,
But I stood firm; I never strayed.
You're the spark that lights my soul,
The piece that makes this broken whole.
[Pre-Chorus, Building determination]
Through the shadows, I remain,
Bound by fire, bound by pain.
[Chorus, Full and heartfelt]
It's only you,
The light that glows through endless night.
Forever you,
The soul that binds my wrongs to right.
No matter how the story bends,
Together, we will never end.
[Verse 2, Reflective sadness, stronger delivery]
They left you broken, they left you weak,
A hollowed mind, too numb to speak.
But I was there through every fall,
I held your hand, I heard your call.
Through every betrayal, every fight,
I was your shadow, your only light.
[Bridge, Emotional and soaring strings]
We're the same, we're tied in flame,
Bound by souls that bear no name.
You and I, forevermore,
Locked together, at our core.
[Chorus, Intensified with harmonies]
It's only you,
The light that glows through endless night.
Forever you,
The soul that binds my wrongs to right.
No matter how the story bends,
Together, we will never end.
[Break, Instrumental interlude, haunting piano and strings]
(Hums echo with soft harmonies, flickering between light and shadow)
[Chara, whispering]
Through the flames, I see your face,
Through the pain, we've found our place.
[Verse 3, Reflective and intimate, voice cracks with emotion]
Humans come, and humans go,
But you're the only one I know.
They'd cast you down, they'd leave you here,
But I was the one who stayed, my dear.
Body, mind, and soul, you see,
You're part of me, and I'm part of thee.
[Outro, Dual vocals, hauntingly beautiful]
[Chara]
It's only you,
The fire that never dies.
[Harmonies, softly]
Forever you,
The truth behind all lies.
[Chara, voice growing stronger]
Together, bound by flame, we stay,
Through endless night, we'll light the way.
[Dual vocals, fading to soft whispers]
Forever you, forever me,
Bound in flame, eternally.
(Piano fades into silence, whispers of "It's only you..." echo.)
A'malther: "... After all... It's only us... After all... It was always us..."
Chara: "No matter what arrives... It will always be us, and only us..."
Nexus's monitors flickered with a surge of crimson energy, its analytical voice breaking the silence in the laboratory.
Nexus: "Anomalous activity detected. Determination levels spiking beyond standard thresholds. Source: A'malther."
Sebastian glanced up from his notes, the faint glow of the screen reflecting in his concerned eyes. Cain, leaning casually against a wall, straightened immediately.
Cain: "What's going on now? Is he okay?"
Before Nexus could respond, A'malther's low, resonant voice cut through the laboratory's stillness. He wasn't speaking to anyone in the room, yet the tone carried the weight of a private conversation, deliberate and focused.
A'malther: "... I know, Kiddo. Always, you're here with me. You've always been here."
Sebastian froze mid-step, his head turning sharply toward A'malther. Cain's brow furrowed, confused but alert.
Cain: "Who's he talking to?"
Sebastian remained silent, watching A'malther closely. The skeletal god's crimson aura flickered with intensity, the faint outline of the red heart appearing on his chest, pulsing in rhythm with the determination force.
A'malther: "... No. Not now. I'm in control. I always have been, and I always will be."
His hand brushed against the edge of the Divine Refiner as if grounding himself, his other hand moving to the faint glow of his chest. SCP-035, fused to his face, let out a low chuckle audible only to A'malther.
SCP-035: "Oh, how beautifully cryptic you've become. Talking to me, or perhaps to that ever-loyal heart of yours? Or is it something else entirely? Hmm?"
A'malther didn't respond to the mask's taunts. Instead, his grip on the Divine Refiner tightened, his head lowering slightly as though in thought.
Nexus's voice broke through again, pulling the attention of Cain and Sebastian.
Nexus: "Energy fluctuations originating from the determination force suggest elevated activity. Emotional resonance detected. External influences are improbable, but internal dialogues remain plausible."
Cain crossed his arms, stepping closer to Sebastian.
Cain: "Internal dialogue? So... he's talking to himself?"
Sebastian shook his head slightly, his analytical mind piecing together fragments of data.
Sebastian: "Perhaps. Or to the force itself. He's been connected to it for so long—maybe it's grown... responsive, in some way. But... the way he speaks—it's almost personal."
Cain looked back toward A'malther, whose form was still, save for the faint pulsing of his chest.
Cain: "Personal? You think he's... what? Having a conversation with a force of will? That doesn't make sense."
Sebastian exhaled slowly, his tone cautious.
Sebastian: "It doesn't need to make sense. Whatever is happening, it's deeply intertwined with who he is now. But the question is—how much control does he still have?"
Meanwhile, A'malther tilted his head slightly, speaking softly but loud enough for his voice to echo faintly across the room.
A'malther: "... You always question me, Kiddo. But you know the answer. You've always known."
Cain's eyes narrowed, and he whispered to Sebastian.
Cain: "Is he talking to 035? Or the... heart thing?"
Sebastian didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at A'malther, who now seemed calmer, the pulsing energy in his chest subsiding slightly. The god finally turned, his gaze sweeping across the room as though daring anyone to question him further.
In the silence that followed, A'malther's voice dropped to a low murmur, audible only to SCP-035.
A'malther: "... You're right. It's only us."
The faint sound of Chara's laughter echoed in his mind, its tone both soothing and ominous.
Chara: "Of course, Azzy. It always has been."
Sebastian and Cain exchanged uneasy glances as A'malther began pacing the laboratory. His movements were slow, deliberate, as though weighed down by an internal conflict only he and his unseen force could understand. The faint glow of the red heart pulsed irregularly on his chest, its rhythm no longer stable, almost as if it were alive.
Cain leaned closer to Sebastian, lowering his voice.
Cain: "He's not himself. You can see it, right? That glow—it's different. He's... different."
Sebastian nodded subtly, his gloved hand resting lightly on the desk before him.
Sebastian: "Yes, and if Nexus's readings are accurate, the determination force is amplifying itself. It's not just him—it's growing stronger, more autonomous. Almost like..."
Cain: "Like it's taking over?"
Sebastian's face hardened.
Sebastian: "Not necessarily taking over. But it's no longer just fuel. It's... becoming something else. Something deeper. Perhaps even someone."
The two fell silent as A'malther stopped mid-step, his skeletal form casting long, jagged shadows across the laboratory. He turned his head slightly, his voice carrying a faint edge of irritation.
A'malther: "... Whispering isn't necessary. I hear everything, Cain. Speak freely if you have something to say."
Cain tensed but took a cautious step forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture.
Cain: "I just—look, we're worried. You've been different ever since... well, since everything. And now this glow, this... force inside you. It's not like before. Is it? Can you at least tell us what's going on?"
A'malther's crimson eyes glowed faintly as he studied Cain, his skeletal fingers flexing slightly at his sides. For a moment, silence filled the room, thick with tension. Then, he spoke, his tone sharp but calm.
A'malther: "What's going on, Cain, is what has always been. I am evolving. Changing. As I must. This force you speak of is a part of me—no, it is me. It has been for centuries, longer than even I care to count."
Sebastian stepped forward cautiously, his tone measured.
Sebastian: "But what about balance, my lord? The harmony you've always maintained. Is this... change... threatening that balance?"
A'malther's gaze shifted to Sebastian, and for a moment, the room seemed to grow colder. Then, he smirked faintly, his crimson eye glowing brighter than the other.
A'malther: "Balance, Sebastian? Balance is a tool, nothing more. A means to an end. And that end is absolute dominion over existence. You think me unbalanced? No. I am... focused."
SCP-035's voice interjected suddenly, its tone mocking but oddly supportive.
SCP-035: "Focused, indeed. Though one might wonder—focused on what, exactly? Dominion? Or something... deeper?"
A'malther didn't respond, his gaze turning inward as if addressing someone only he could see.
In his mind, Chara's voice whispered, soft yet cutting.
Chara: "Dominion, Azzy? Is that really it? Or are you just trying to convince them... and yourself? You're not focused. You're scared."
A'malther's jaw tightened, his voice low and directed inward.
A'malther: "I'm not scared. I've never been scared. I'm... in control."
Chara: "Control? Oh, Azzy, you don't even control me. And I'm right here, living inside you, wrapped around your soul like a warm little flame. Face it—you need me, but you hate it. Don't you?"
A'malther: "... Hate? No. I don't need you. I don't need anyone."
Chara laughed softly, her voice laced with amusement.
Chara: "You do, Azzy. You always did. No matter the world, you always did need me, in more ways than you think. I did treat you, not only like your partner, but also like your lover, like your wife, like your best friend, and even like your mother."
A'malther felt instantly ashamed and with his expression as if he was going red. While Chara continued to laugh softly, enjoying how amusing it was seeing A'malther's expression.
Back in the lab, Nexus's voice broke through the silence, its tone steady and matter-of-fact.
Nexus: "Energy levels stabilizing. The determination force remains active but no longer escalating. Observation continues."
Cain exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
Cain: "Good. That's... good, right?"
Sebastian didn't answer immediately, his eyes fixed on A'malther, who was once again pacing, his hands clasped behind his back.
Sebastian: "Perhaps. But I fear this is only the calm before the storm."
Suddenly, A'malther stopped and turned to face them, his expression unreadable beneath his skeletal mask.
A'malther: "Enough. We have work to do. Nexus, begin preparations for multiversal expansion. Cain, Sebastian, A'tellif—focus on refining our defenses and strategies. We move forward... no matter the cost. Also, Cain, help your brother Able in his training, like his coach. A'tellif, any time you find any destructive place for Titanus to destroy, or things that could call it's attention, feel free to give it a walk, letting it to destroy and enjoy of doing so."
His words hung heavy in the air, a declaration of intent that left no room for doubt or hesitation. As the others dispersed to carry out his orders, A'malther stood alone, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as the whispers of Chara echoed in his mind.
Chara: "Forward, Azzy. Always forward. But where will it lead? That's what I can't wait to see."
A faint smile crossed A'malther's face as he whispered under his breath, too softly for anyone to hear.
A'malther: "... Neither can I, Kiddo. Neither can I."
A'malther stood alone in the vastness of his laboratory, the shimmering projections of his multiversal plans fading as the last of his allies departed to carry out their tasks. The weight of his words still lingered in the air, a silent testament to the sheer magnitude of his ambitions. Slowly, he stepped forward, his skeletal armor glinting faintly under the ethereal glow of the laboratory's many energies.
His crimson gaze flickered to Nexus, who remained suspended in the center of the chamber, its core pulsating with rhythmic precision.
A'malther: "Nexus, update me on the current calibration of the dimensional expansion protocols. Do we maintain stability across all marked realms?"
The AI's voice resonated through the chamber, calm and calculating.
Nexus: "My lord, dimensional expansion stability remains at an optimal state. However, certain uncharted realms exhibit irregular fluctuations. These anomalies are within tolerance but should be closely monitored."
A'malther's voice lowered, adopting the godlike cadence he had learned from A'habbat, mixing divine authority with a measured tone.
A'malther: "Irregularities are the seeds of disorder. Let not complacency cloud thy vigilance. Double the monitoring efforts on these realms. We shall not be caught unawares by the unknown."
Nexus's response came swiftly.
Nexus: "As you decree, my sovereign. Adjusting observational parameters accordingly."
A'malther nodded faintly before turning away. His thoughts lingered on the faint pulse of the determination force within him. Chara's voice echoed once again in the recesses of his mind, her tone playful but laced with a sense of veiled wisdom.
Chara: "You're starting to sound like her, you know. That whole 'let not' and 'thy' thing... it suits you, Azzy. Very regal. Very... godly. It also does suit by your royalty lineage of soul. After all, from being some sort of imprisoned prince, to be the God-king."
A'malther's hands clenched slightly, his voice a whisper within his own mind.
A'malther: "... I do guess?... You may say so, and yet... I do not feel that in me..."
Chara's laugh rang out again, soft and knowing.
Chara: "Oh, Azzy, don't be coy. You know it's true. Also, you needed me then, you need me now, and you'll always need me. That's what makes this so... Special. We're bound together, forever, by more than just this force. Admit it—you'd be lost without me."
A faint sigh escaped A'malther as he rested a skeletal hand on the edge of the massive rune-covered table before him.
A'malther: "... Perhaps. But if I admit that, you will only become more insufferable."
Chara's response was a soft hum, the warmth of her presence filling his mind.
Back in the main laboratory, A'tellif approached silently, her form flickering in and out of visibility as she moved. She stopped a short distance from A'malther, her voice a soft, almost melodic whisper.
A'tellif: "My lord, you summoned me earlier to speak of Titanus's... pastimes. Do you wish for me to carry out your directive?"
A'malther turned his head slightly, his crimson eye glowing faintly as he regarded her. His voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it, a subtle undertone of exhaustion.
A'malther: "Yes, A'tellif. Let Titanus roam as it sees fit. Guide it to worlds where its... nature... may serve a purpose. Destruction for destruction's sake is meaningless. Destruction with intent, however, is... art."
A'tellif bowed her head slightly, her form shimmering.
A'tellif: "As you command, my king. I shall ensure Titanus's path aligns with your will."
She vanished into the shadows, leaving A'malther alone once more.
As the hours passed, the faint hum of activity within the domain settled into a rhythmic calm. A'malther remained at the center of it all, the faint outline of the red heart pulsing on his chest, and SCP-035's voice whispering occasional remarks into his mind.
SCP-035: "You know, my dear god, for all your talk of control and dominion, you still let them distract you. The doctor, the brothers, even your lovely A'habbat. They are distractions, nothing more. But then again... perhaps even gods need their toys."
A'malther smirked faintly, his skeletal fingers tapping against the table.
A'malther: "They are not toys, 035. They are pieces on the board. Each one has its purpose."
Chara's voice cut in, her tone mocking yet affectionate.
Chara: "Pieces on a board? Oh, Azzy, you really are getting into this whole god-king thing, aren't you? Just don't forget—no matter how many pieces you move, I'm the one who keeps you in the game."
A'malther's response was a soft chuckle, his voice a quiet murmur.
A'malther: "... And yet, I wouldn't have it any other way, Kiddo. Not any other way."
The laboratory fell silent once more, but the weight of the future loomed heavy in the air. A'malther's plans were in motion, his allies prepared, but within him, the determination force pulsed with its own quiet agenda, waiting for its next move.
The silence in the laboratory was heavy, yet it hummed with anticipation, an undercurrent of unseen forces and unresolved tensions. A'malther remained still, his skeletal fingers drumming faintly on the rune-etched table as his mind worked tirelessly to consolidate his ambitions. SCP-035's presence pulsed faintly, the subtle hum of its fused energy synchronizing with his aura.
Chara's voice broke the quiet within his mind, soft but firm, carrying an edge of mischief.
Chara: "Not any other way, you say? I'm flattered, Azzy. Truly. But don't get too comfortable. You and I both know comfort isn't for those like us. Comfort makes you soft... and you're anything but soft now, aren't you?"
A'malther's glowing crimson eyes narrowed slightly, his skeletal form remaining poised as he whispered under his breath.
A'malther: "... Comfort is a luxury I cannot afford. Not now. Not ever. There is too much to accomplish, and far too much at stake."
SCP-035's laughter interjected, light and mocking.
SCP-035: "Oh, how noble! But let's not kid ourselves. The lines between ambition and obsession blur so beautifully with you. Are you moving forward out of necessity, or are you running from something else entirely?"
A'malther turned slightly, his gaze piercing into the faint glow emanating from the mask.
A'malther: "And you, 035? Do you question for curiosity's sake, or because you still cling to your habit of playing games?"
SCP-035 chuckled again, a sly undercurrent in its tone.
SCP-035: "Touché, my dear god. But let's not forget—we both thrive on games. And I, for one, enjoy watching the pieces fall into place... or shatter."
In the adjacent chambers, Nexus pulsed steadily, its core radiating faint waves of crimson and silver light as Cain, Sebastian, and A'tellif gathered around its central interface.
Cain crossed his arms, his tone heavy with unease.
Cain: "He's getting worse, isn't he? Whatever that force is inside him... it's consuming him more every day."
Sebastian adjusted his gloves, his voice calm but tense, laced with his characteristic formality.
Sebastian: "It is not so simple, mon ami. The determination force—it is not merely consuming him. It is evolving with him. They are bound, intertwined in a manner that defies any conventional understanding."
A'tellif, her form flickering faintly as she leaned against the wall, interjected with her soft, melodic voice.
A'tellif: "Then why does it feel like it's watching us? That force... it feels alive. Sentient. And I don't mean in the way Nexus or 035 are. It's something else entirely."
Nexus's voice chimed in, its tone cold and analytical.
Nexus: "Your observations are accurate. The determination force within A'malther is not merely a reservoir of energy. It exhibits characteristics of a distinct entity, capable of independent thought and influence. However, its objectives remain inscrutable."
Cain frowned deeply, his fingers drumming anxiously against the interface.
Cain: "And you don't think that's... I don't know... bad? What if it decides to take over completely? What happens to A'malther then?"
Sebastian's voice softened, though his gaze remained fixed on the data Nexus displayed.
Sebastian: "We must have faith, Cain. He has endured far worse and emerged stronger for it. But... I fear there may come a point where even he cannot bear the weight of this force alone."
Back in the central chamber, A'malther shifted his attention to the glowing projections hovering before him. Each outlined the status of his allies, the stability of his voidful domain, and the progress of his multiversal expansion.
The map of the multiverse pulsed faintly, with countless worlds marked as "potential integrations." A'malther studied the projections intently, his mind calculating possibilities and contingencies.
Chara's voice echoed softly, breaking the silence once more.
Chara: "You really think they'll follow you forever, Azzy? They're loyal now, sure. But what happens when your vision doesn't align with theirs? What happens when they start to doubt? When they start to fear you?"
A'malther's skeletal jaw tightened slightly, his voice steady but laced with a hint of defiance.
A'malther: "... They fear me already, Kiddo. And yet, they remain. Not because they are bound by obligation, but because they understand the necessity of what I do."
Chara hummed thoughtfully, her tone almost teasing.
Chara: "Maybe. Or maybe they stay because they're afraid of what'll happen if they don't. You've become their god, Azzy. But gods have a funny way of losing their followers when the fear outweighs the faith."
A'malther's eyes flickered faintly, his voice dropping to a quiet murmur.
A'malther: "... Then I'll ensure the balance is maintained. Fear and faith, Kiddo. Both are tools, and both are necessary."
As the hours stretched on, the faint hum of activity within the domain seemed to settle into a rhythmic calm. But beneath the surface, tensions brewed, unseen and unspoken, as the determination force pulsed faintly within A'malther, its presence an ever-looming shadow over everything he sought to build.
In the distance, Nexus's voice resonated through the void, addressing A'tellif and Cain as they prepared for their respective tasks.
Nexus: "The equilibrium within the domain remains stable, but fluctuations in A'malther's energy patterns suggest increasing volatility. Continued observation is recommended."
Cain exhaled sharply, his gaze lingering on the faint outline of A'malther's crimson aura in the distance.
Cain: "Volatility, huh? That's one way to put it. Let's just hope we're not standing too close when he finally... snaps."
Sebastian's voice, calm but firm, cut through the tension.
Sebastian: "He will not snap, Cain. Not while we stand beside him. Remember, mon ami—faith is not merely blind hope. It is conviction, even in the face of uncertainty."
Cain nodded slowly, though the worry in his eyes remained.
Cain: "... Yeah. Let's hope you're right."
As the domain settled into a quiet rhythm once more, A'malther stood at the center of it all, a towering figure of determination, ambition, and lingering doubt. But even as the whispers of Chara echoed in his mind and the shadows of uncertainty loomed over his plans, his resolve remained unshaken.
This was his multiverse, and he would see his vision realized—no matter the cost.